he like follies for the future: and,
full of these laudable intentions, he walked across the meadow, and
rapped at Lary's door.

For some minutes the knock remained unanswered, and, whilst Josiah stood
waiting for admittance, he saw, through their garden pales, young Lary
playing with a fine white doe, which he instantly recognised to be the
property of his cousin Rachel.

This circumstance did not fail to strengthen his suspicions; and,
knocking again at the door, it was opened by a very neat young woman,
who seemed rather confused at the sight of Josiah; and, holding the
door in her hand, she asked him, in a hesitating manner, "What he
wanted?"

"To speak to Patrick Lary. Is he at home?" said Josiah, in his usual
mild tone.

The woman, who evidently had been weeping bitterly, paused a moment,
then replied--

"Yes, Master Shirley, my husband is at home, but really he is not in a
fit state to speak to any one; but, if you will excuse the disordered
condition of our house, please to walk in: perhaps the sight of you may
warn him against giving way to drink for the future; for we well know
what a good, kind-hearted young gentleman you are."

Josiah felt grieved at the poor woman's panegyric, when he remembered
the cause of his visit, and was almost inclined not to proceed in the
business; but the hope of persuading Lary to renounce his evil habit of
drinking induced him to conquer his reluctance, and he silently followed
Mrs. Lary into the cottage.

The first object that met Josiah's eyes, on entering the room, was the
Irishman, seated on a low stool by the fire, with his head bound up with
a red handkerchief, and resting on his hands, which bandage served
partly to conceal two black eyes he had received at the fair.

His shirt was bloody, and his dress rent in several places, and covered
with dirt; and his whole appearance bespoke one suffering from the
effects of recent intoxication.

On hearing some one enter, he said, without attempting to raise his
head--"Wife! who's there?"

"It is Master Shirley, Patrick, who wants to speak to you."

On hearing the name of the visitor, Lary staggered up, and begged Josiah
to be seated.

"No, Patrick," replied Josiah, "as my business is one of a very
unpleasant nature, I prefer standing."

"With all humility, I suppose, Master Shirley," said Pat, striving to be
facetious; "but please yourself, you are a dear, good young gentleman,
and must have your own way;" and,